Present were Mayor Gil Madrid, Councilmembers Jose “Angel” Medina, Dan Moat, Don Reiman, Michael Sosh and Phil Stewart. Vice Mayor Sammy Gonzalez was excused.
Town Manager Alexis Rivera provided an update on post-flood recovery funding and infrastructure repairs. He reported that Miami has applied for the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) buyout program, which would allow the town to acquire properties located in flood-risk areas.
A working meeting on engineering design and construction at Bloody Tank was held Dec. 1 to discuss funding options and next steps. Rivera also confirmed that State Senator Gallegos visited Miami on Dec. 2 for a roundtable discussion with town officials and community stakeholders regarding recovery assistance and coordination with Washington.
Cleanup and repairs continue throughout town, with Miami seeking contractor quotes for additional work. The town is also processing quotes for necessary repairs at the pump station, including fencing, debris removal and installation of new protective barriers.
Rivera said staff had reached out to Congressman Eli Crane seeking assistance in accelerating a FEMA emergency declaration, which would allow the town to begin major infrastructure repairs.
Mayor Madrid reported that Local First Arizona and United Fund have begun contacting Miami businesses approved during Phase 1 of disaster assistance to update them on grant disbursement. A total of 13 Miami businesses were approved. He noted that Phase 2 of assistance will require inspections by a structural engineer or licensed contractor.
Freeport-McMoRan is currently soliciting public feedback through its Globe-Miami Resilience Fund Survey to identify key risks that affect the community’s ability to recover from disasters and economic shocks. The results will guide project selection for funding aimed at strengthening long-term resilience.
Mayor Madrid said the fund could provide up to $2 million to the Town of Miami. Projects will be reviewed on a rolling basis during the first half of 2026 until funds are fully distributed.
A Freeport representative was scheduled to present on the company’s Community Investment Fund Award check at the Nov. 24 meeting, but the presentation was tabled due to illness.
Council agreed that protecting Miami from future flood disasters has become the town’s most urgent priority, with multiple agencies now engaged in mitigation planning. They discussed ongoing coordination with the Town of Superior and regional partners to develop long-term solutions to reduce both the velocity and volume of stormwater runoff from the Pinal Mountains.
Mayor Gil Madrid said that the goal is to prevent a tragedy of the magnitude Miami experienced from happening again. Engineering design work is currently underway by The Wilson Group, supported by a $1.1 million grant from the Wilson Company and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with the Town of Miami serving as the project lead.
At the same time, the council was unanimous in its position to move forward with its broader Strategic Plan in light of economic growth anticipated from upcoming mining operations. They noted a projected 3,000 jobs tied to Resolution Copper and the anticipated 500 underground positions at Fox Copper in Miami.
Madrid said Miami should aim to capture as much of that population as possible, which could lead to housing development. Miami competes with other areas on this, and the window is short, he said.
“We had our strategic plan laid out with the first top five priorities that we wanted to work on, but today, the number one priority is getting that work done so we never have to see another disaster like we all witnessed,” Madrid said.
Two Miami High School graduates addressed the council and offered their professional expertise to assist with the Strategic Plan process.
Carol Macias McManus, Class of 1973, is retired from JPMorgan after a 40-year career in banking that included cross-border finance and gaming. Jon Ramirez, Class of 1971, worked for 20 years as a commercial loan officer before retiring as executive director of business development and housing for Chicanos Por La Causa. His background includes extensive experience in grant writing, business development and housing initiatives.
Both praised Miami’s strong culture of volunteerism — particularly initiatives like Trashy Thursdays — and expressed a willingness to work with town staff, council and committees on economic development, infrastructure, housing, public safety and sustainable growth.
“The mantra that we heard as children growing up is, you pay back, and you pay forward, and we want to do both with this,” McManus said. She stressed that the Miami Strategic Plan will be a long-term process, beginning with defining Miami’s future vision, identifying issues, and developing solutions. She also emphasized the importance of recruiting residents willing to serve on committees.
Councilman Medina underscored that the floodplain designation remains a major obstacle to business investment, noting that businesses are hesitant to locate in Miami due to population size and flood risk.
Town Manager Rivera agreed, stating, “If we don’t fix the flood plain, no one is going to build an apartment, store, nothing in this town.” Rivera said $1 million is needed immediately to address long-standing conditions at Adonis and Latham.
Mayor Madrid discussed the possibility of annexing Lower Miami and land in Claypool to raise Miami’s population above 3,000, which would qualify it as a city and open the door to additional state and federal funding opportunities.
Gila County Supervisor Tim Humphrey reported that the county is pursuing $27 million in state grant funding that could reimburse residents and businesses for eligible flood-related expenses, and encouraged people to keep their receipts.
Council approved revisions to Miami’s façade improvement program, funded through a donation from BHP. Discussion centered on delays and the town’s limited legal authority to use public funds for direct business assistance.
The program has been in development for more than a year and must finally move forward in the spring of 2026.
Town Manager Rivera explained the delay was due to urgent funding needs for sewer inspections, but said the program documents are now being forwarded to the Town Attorney for final review.
Some businesses on the participation list lost everything in the flood and now lack matching funds. While acknowledging that hardship, Madrid said the overall program should not be delayed.
“That’s what everybody wants to see — they want to see some progress made moving forward,” said Becky Ramos. “We know it’s going to be baby steps, but it’s got to start somewhere, and it’s got to start now.”
Council approved the 14th Annual Miami Loco Festival, scheduled for April 17–19, 2026. Miami Arts Commission President Lob Instagon said the event will be similar to last year’s but scaled back due to grant funding limitations.
The Burger Burn, cancelled in 2025 due to flooding, was approved for April 10–11, 2026, with Sullivan Street closed on April 11 for the associated car show. Councilman Sosh said organizers are hopeful it will return as an annual event.
Council voted to accept the donation of land on “M” Hill, overlooking Miami, through a quitclaim deed at no cost to the town. A formal survey and adoption of an ordinance will be required to finalize the transfer.
Mayor Madrid said the town acted quickly because the property had been listed for sale and there was concern a private buyer could dismantle the iconic “M.”
Under a memorandum of understanding, Miami High School will maintain the “M.” Council discussed liability issues, possible trail connections and whether town ownership of land containing the Stations of the Cross and other religious markers could present legal concerns. Town Attorney Estes said he will research those issues.
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